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Choices Reports

Progress Reports

Each month the Adult and Older Adult FSPs submit their data from Caminar* which is then compiled by the County into various categories such as enrollment at end of period, gender, age range, ethnicity, residence, psychiatric hospitalizations, incarcerations, homelessness, education and employment. Most of the data are at a point in time, at the end of period (normally the last day of the month) except where indicated that it is the total for the month. The progress reports are discussed at the monthly program management meetings and used to monitor a programs performance.

*Caminar is a data collection program that is used to collect and send data to the State. Data are also available for immediate use by contracted programs and the County for analysis.

Choices Demographics

2010

FY 10/11 Quarter 1 - Demographics

During the 1st quarter of the 2010-2011 fiscal year, CHOICES served 103 unduplicated members. After starting with 94 members at the beginning of the quarter, adding 9 new members and discharging 5 other members for various reasons, CHOICES ended the quarter with 98 members.

The CHOICES program has the ability to serve members of all age ranges and to cater to their specific needs. The majority of the population in the program falls into the 26-59 age range classified as “Adults” with a few members falling into the 18-25 (Transitional Age Youth or TAY) age range and 60+ (Older Adults).

There are more males than females in the CHOICES program; however the numbers are still close in proximity. In addition, CHOICES has two transgender individuals.

While the majority of the CHOICES population is Caucasian native English speakers, the staff possesses the ability to serve the non-English speaking community. The Spanish and Vietnamese languages are heard on a regular basis around the office and the agency has the ability to cater to other languages as needed.

One of the goals of the CHOICES program is to help facilitate housing opportunities for those members who desire them. As of the end of the first quarter of the fiscal year, 87% of CHOICES members are housed. The “Other” 13% accounts for members who are either homeless, in the hospital, incarcerated, or whose whereabouts are unknown. CHOICES employs a housing specialist who works closely with members to find housing which suites their individual needs. When possible, members are placed into apartments which they can live in independently. CHOICES strives to have all members placed into housing situations which can best serve them and their recovery.

During the month of September, there were 120 jail days, all by four members who were incarcerated for the duration of the month. Over 95% of all CHOICES members were free of incarceration episodes for the entire month. CHOICES is working toward a goal of keeping all members out of jail for the duration of any given month by working closely with each member to stay focused on their recovery in their mental illness and to use their time efficiently.

In the month of September, 5 members experienced psychiatric hospitalizations. Each member experienced one episode with the episode lasting an average of just over 5 days. One member had a 2-day episode in a medical hospital. This all translates to 94% of all CHOICES members not requiring any hospitalizations during the month. CHOICES staff work with members to teach them healthy coping skills that way if there is a crisis, the members have skills to help them deal with the crisis in a safe, positive manner.

CHOICES has 4 members enrolled in schools. One member is in vocational training and three of them are in community colleges working toward associate’s degrees. When a member has educational goals as part of their recovery goals, they can work with the staff in order to apply for school, enroll in school and work towards completion of the educational goals.

The CHOICES program supports its members’ desires to reintegrate into the community through employment opportunities. Since many of the members have not worked in quite some time, CHOICES utilizes its In-House Employment Program to help them build their resumes as a means of transitioning into competitive employment. The program is capable of employing 8 members. Five members are in competitive employment and 14 are volunteering in the community at various locations. Two members are in other employment activities. A total of 27% of CHOICES members are involved in some sort of employment or employment training.

This graph represents the breakdown of the primary diagnosis for CHOICES members. When members are diagnosed, the treatment team can utilize the information to formulate the best possible treatment plan for each member. CHOICES strives to provide a unique and successful recovery plan for each member, with member involvement being one of the key factors in the treatment. CHOICES tries to empower each member to take an active role in their own recovery.

CHOICES is a split population regarding co-occurring mental disability and substance abuse issues. Of all the members, 58% of the members have a co-occurring mental health disability and substance abuse problem. CHOICES possesses the ability to serve not only those members who have mental health issues but also those with substance abuse problems. For members who require treatment for both, a special recovery plan is arranged to assist in their desire to deal with their substance abuse issues.

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